I was driving and my car started to lurch and went into reduced power mode. I quickly pulled over and turned off the engine. It was towed into the shop, and we found that the timing chain had broken. We had just had our engine mounts replaced and the oil changed. The vehicle has been well maintained. I have seen the issue with the timing chain failure is a common problem in Saturns/GM from interne…
2009 Saturn Outlook engine problems
moderate 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$3,100
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I WAS WAITING AT A STOPLIGHT AND HEARD AN UNUSUAL NOISE FROM THE ENGINE. WHEN I ACCELERATED ON THE GAS PEDDLE, I NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT NORMALLY AND WOULD NOT EXCEED OVER 30 MPH. I MADE IT TO WORK BUT WHEN I TRIED TO REVERSE OUT OF THE PARKING LOT, THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE AT ALL AND DISPLAYED "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" ICON. I HAD TO PUSH IT OUT OF THE PARKING LOT THEN DRIVE FORWAR…
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2009 Saturn Outlook?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 11 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
Some links on this page are affiliate links.